Prenatal Physiotherapy Through the Trimesters

Course Overview

Physiotherapists are well positioned to support pregnant patients with pelvic floor function, pain, and preparation for birth.Yet clear guidance on when and how to involve physiotherapy during pregnancy is still limited. In this course, Dr. Jessica Bergevin, a physiotherapist, will guide you through the basics of optimal prenatal and postpartum care. 

Dr. Bergevin shares the five-phase framework she uses to organize care from the initial prenatal assessment through birth preparation, postpartum follow-up, and ongoing support. You will learn how to screen for pregnancy-specific concerns, structure each visit, prioritize when patients can only attend a few appointments, design group prenatal classes, prescribe safe and evidence-informed exercise, prepare patients for labour and delivery, and communicate clearly with referral sources.

Dr. Bergevin includes an extensive handout and modifiable clinical templates, so you can bring this structure straight into your practice.

Course Objectives:

In this online course, we will:

1. Organize prenatal and postpartum physiotherapy care using a five-phase framework aligned with the trimesters and postpartum recovery.

2. Select and prescribe evidence-informed treatment techniques, including exercise, manual therapy, and pelvic floor training, for pregnant patients.

3. Apply pregnancy-specific screening to individualize assessment and treatment plans.

4. Prepare patients for labour and delivery using positioning, pushing, and pelvic floor relaxation strategies that support personal control during birth.

5. Plan postpartum follow-up care, including gentle movement assessment, scar mobilization, gradual return to activity, and early telehealth check-ins before the six-week visit.

6. Strengthen referral pathways and communication with physicians, midwives, doulas, and other members of the prenatal care team.